Glorious Glenbeigh Races are here again…

WHAT started out in the summer of 1924 as a humble race meeting on Rossbeigh Strand has now become one of Glenbeigh’s showcase events of the year. It’s true to say that a racetrack can be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery known to man, but there’s just something unique, timeless and wholeheartedly earthy about the way Glenbeigh Races with its appropriately shaped horseshoe strand, sloping mountains and seascape manages to stage one hell of a show. The good news for us is the dates have now been set and this year’s races will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27 when two days of high quality horse and pony action commands the strand with absolutely no shortage of fun, music and entertainment thrown in for good measure over the weekend.

The official opening of the festival takes place on Friday, August 25 when a fancy dress parade will start at the Towers Hotel. Then it’s on to the football field for a dog show, terrier racing and pony rides. And look out for the Music Trail at various venues around the village on Friday evening. It’s then on to The Red Fox Inn where Honorary Lifetime Festival President, John Griffin will hand over the chain of office to the 2017 President, Tony Hayes. This will be followed with live music by ‘The Real Deal’ and, of course, the selection of this year’s 2017 Festival Queen.

They say time and tide waits for no one, but you wouldn’t think it standing on the golden sands of Rossbeigh Strand when the tapes go up and the eager young jockeys gallop their horses to the rhythm of their own expectation. In fact, time and tide are two of Glenbeigh Races greatest allies for they conspire year on year to assist in making this occasion a truly historic one in every sense.

The race action starts at 2pm on Saturday when participants will travel from all over Ireland for what is arguably one of the best beach racing meets in the country. A special beach marquee will serve food throughout the day which will be followed by live music following the racing.

The big prize on Sunday is the Glenbeigh Invitational Race and there’s an enjoyable prelude lined up ahead of the action when an open air music and Irish dancing display will take place outside Ashes Bar in the village at 12pm. Then it’s down to the beach to enjoy the racing - and don’t worry if you fancy keeping one eye on the big Gaa matches as the marque will be showing them live on the big screen!

There will also be a Best Dressed ladies, gents and children’s competition, while the Donkeys are not to be outdone either and there will be a Donkey Derby on Sunday for an extra bit of fun. Then it’s all back to the village where the bars and hotels will be hopping with live music and entertainment bringing the curtain down on what promises to be another glorious race meeting.

Is there a better place to be in late summer than the Glenbeigh Races? I don’t think so. August 25-26 are the dates. Start planning.